Club America Vs Pumas UNAM in the Mexico City Derby
The Mexico City derby ended in a shock as Pumas Unam upset Club America. It was a result that snapped a few streaks for Santiago Solari’s side including their undefeated record at the Estadio Azteca.
A bright start for Rafa Puente’s side as America struggle to contain their intra-city rivals. Valdes offers the first danger of the night but his effort drifts wide.
America – 1-0
The two Mexico city rivals have met 57 times in short tournaments with America having the upper hand with 24 wins to Pumas’ 12 and 19 draws. The Aguilas are a clear favorite in this quarterfinal series but Pumas have shown in the past that they can beat any team on their day.
In this match, both sides look to keep the ball moving and avoid any unnecessary risks. Despite the low attendance at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario, this is a very competitive game. A brisk first half sees the teams exchange possession and some good chances with Argentine striker Salvio looking to find the back of the net but his effort goes just wide of the target.
Pumas made one change at the break as Washington Corozo replaced Diogo de Oliveira. America also made a change as Federico Vinas was benched for Henry Martin.
America started the second half strongly and looked to take control of the game. A foul from Erik Lira on Roger Martinez in the area allowed Emanuel Aguilera to take a penalty kick that he duly converted for the opening goal of the game.
Pumas then had a couple of chances to equalize but a glaring error from the goalkeeper led to America’s third. Guido Rodriguez tapped home from close range following a corner kick and then just before the hour mark, he was on hand to head home from close range after a great cross from Alan Mozo. The result means that America are the only team still in with a chance of winning the semifinals and ending the season on a high note for owner Televisa. They will next face Atlas who have a win over Monterrey in their quarterfinal matchup and can expect to be a tough challengers.
Pumas – 2-1
The second meeting between America and Pumas ended in a 2-1 win for the universitarios. The match was played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and both teams were looking for a win to improve their league standing. The first half of the match was very competitive, and both teams created chances. Then, Nicolas Castillo scored the winning goal for UNAM Pumas. The result was a surprise, as the universitarios were playing much better than they had in the first match of the series.
Pumas have been struggling in recent times, and the club is currently in sixth place in the standings of the Clausura 2023. They have lost two of their last five matches, and their recent struggles have come to a head as they look to get back on track. Despite their poor form, they still have a chance to make the playoffs. They need to pick up as many points as possible to have a good shot at securing a top four finish.
After a scoreless first half, both teams came out firing in the second half. America looked to control the ball and create chances, but they were unable to find the net. Pumas, on the other hand, were able to take advantage of some mistakes in the America defence and snatched a 2-1 lead.
Both teams are battling for second place in the standings, and they will both be eager to get a win this week. The game will be played at the Estadio Azteca, which is one of the biggest stadiums in Mexico City with a capacity of 87,000 spectators. The match will kick off at 7 pm local time.
Pumas – 2-2
America have the better of the chances in the first half and create a number of half chances but they are unable to take them. Then Pumas turn it around and get the lead with a superb goal. The goal came about when a great pass from Dinenno found Mozo who made a brilliant run. He was then able to get a cross in that was a bit difficult for Corozo to reach but he got his head on it and headed it into the net.
America then have a couple of good free kicks but are unable to take them. Then in the final minutes of the half, Pumas break and Dinneno has two bites at the cherry but Malagon stands strong to deny him.
At the start of the second half, America push forward and have a dangerous free on the edge of the box but the ball takes a deflection and drifts wide. Then Pumas defenders have to clear twice in quick succession from America attacks as they look to get back into the game.
Juan Dinneno continues to impress for Pumas as he looks for that first goal of the match. But just as it seemed he was about to score the home side have a penalty shout against him for a late challenge.
Henry Martin has been excellent for America this season and he is a leading contender to be the best player in the Clausura. He has 13 goals and he will be looking to add to that total in this Clasico Capitalino.
Pumas – 3-2
There are some games that all futbol fans circle on their calendars and for Club America and Pumas UNAM this is one of those matches. The rivalry between the two teams from Mexico City has spanned over sixty years and they have met 143 times in all competitions. This clash has produced some of the biggest moments in Mexico’s football history and this meeting was no different.
The game began with Pumas getting the best of the early chances as Diego Gonzalez and Salvio both went close. But it was America who took the lead with a goal from Emanuel Aguilera. Pumas had a chance to equalize with a great effort from Sebastian Saucedo, but his shot went just wide. America also came close with a good free header from Henry Martin, but the referee ruled it offside.
With thirty minutes gone, the match was starting to turn into a battle with both sides putting in some hard work. The Pumas defence was holding up well, though and the defenders managed to deal with each burst of pressure that was coming their way.
Juan Dinneno and Salvio both came close for the Pumas, but they could not find the net. The latter was presented with another chance, but he blazed over the target with his effort.
The Argentine striker was starting to come into his own for Pumas and he nearly scored with a good finish from the edge of the area. Then came a huge moment for the Pumas fans as Federico Vinas was sent off for a tackle on America’s Efrain Velarde. The referee then gave America a penalty kick.
Pumas – 3-3
America is a better side with the ball and they are creating chances but they are lacking that killer punch. The Aguilas are a bit nervous and it is clear that this is a tough game for them. They need to win at least two of their last five games if they want to qualify for the playoffs.
Pumas is a team that is on the rise. Fernando Ortiz’s changes are starting to pay off. They have won four out of their last five games and if they can keep it up for a little while longer, they will have a good chance at winning the Clausura title this year.
The match is high on energy and the teams have been trading chances. Gonzalez in the America goal hasn’t had much to do but there are a few half chances for both sides. Pumas’ Dinneno has a couple of decent efforts but he can’t find the back of the net.
Both teams are looking for a crucial three points in this Clasico Capitalino. A win for America would allow them to move closer to second place while a victory for Pumas could help them secure top spot in the group.
This is the third meeting between these two teams this season and it has ended with a scoreline of 1-1. The last time these two teams met, Pumas came from behind to beat America in a thriller at Estadio Azteca. The Aguilas are hoping to avoid another loss and will be relying on the return of Efrain Velarde to help them. Despite the loss, America will still be able to advance into the semifinals with a win against Cruz Azul on January 8. The winner of this game will take second place in the group.
